- Material Comparison
PVC vs. Silicone — Cost-Effective or High-Performance?
At a Glance
PVC
- Temperature: -10°C to +60°C
- Main advantage: Low cost
- Processing: Extrusion, injection molding
- Service life: Medium
Silicone
- Temperature: -60°C to +230°C
- Main advantage: Biocompatibility, temperature
- Processing: Extrusion / injection molding
- Service life: Very long
- Technical Comparison
Detailed Property Comparison
| Property | PVC | Silicone |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | -10°C to +60°C | ✅ -60°C to +230°C |
| UV resistance | ⚠️ Moderate (yellows) | ✅ Excellent |
| Chemical resistance | ✅ Very good | ⚠️ Good |
| Biocompatibility | ❌ Limited | ⚠️ Selected medical grades with application-specific data |
| Flexibility | ⚠️ Moderate (with plasticizer) | ✅ Very high |
| Odor / Taste | ⚠️ May be present | ✅ Neutral |
| Food contact | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Selected grades with conformity evidence only |
| Service life / Aging | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ Very long |
| Cost | ✅ Very affordable | ❌ High (5-10× PVC) |
When to Choose Which Material?
Choose PVC when:
- Budget is limited and standard performance is sufficient
- Chemical resistance to aggressive media is required
- Electrical insulation is a priority
- Standard industrial applications without extreme temperatures vorliegen
Choose Silicone when:
- Extreme temperatures (-60°C to +230°C) occur
- Food or medical contact is present
- Durability and aging resistance are decisive
- Odor and taste-neutral materials are needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is silicone so much more expensive than PVC?
Silicone requires more sophisticated raw materials and processing (vulcanization/LSR). The higher cost is often offset by significantly longer service life and better performance.
Can PVC be used for drinking water pipes?
Rigid PVC is approved for drinking water pipes. Soft PVC hoses are only conditionally suitable due to their plasticizers. Silicone is the safer alternative here.
Which material is better for outdoor applications?
Silicone is significantly better suited for outdoor applications, as PVC yellows and becomes brittle under UV exposure.
Unsure which material is the right one?
Free material consultation from our engineers —
non-binding and individual.
Inquiry & Consultation
Step 01
We analyze your requirements and jointly select the optimal material (TPE, EPDM, or PVC) for your specific application.
Design & Development
Step 02
Our experts create precise profiles or molded parts based on your drawings or samples to guarantee a perfect fit.
Production & Logistics
Step 03
After precision production, we ensure fast delivery of your finished components – directly to your desired date and location